Latest NHL Signings! Part XII

Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic has officially retired from hockey. Brochu's take: He was always one of my favourite players. See you in the Hall of Fame!

The Philadephia Flyers have re-signed defenseman Chris Pronger to a 7-year, $34.9 million contract extension. Brochu's take: The contract is not even heavily front loaded, so in the last 3 years of this contract, he will still have a cap hit of around $5 million. I'm not sure how Philly will be able to afford this down the line, but it's clear that GM Paul Holmgren wants to win NOW.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Ales Kotalik to a 3-year, $9 million contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Kurtis Foster to a 1-year, $500 000 contract. They also signed forward Stephane Veilleux to a 1-year, $750k contract.

The Bolts have also signed 2009 NHL first round pick Victor Hedman to a 3-year, entry-level contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Nick Boynton to a 1-year, $1.5 million contract.

The Avs have signed defenseman Brett Skinner and forward Phillipe Dupuis to contracts.

San Jose Sharks forward Claude Lemieux has retired. Again.

Florida Panthers forward Chad Kilger has officially announced his retirement from hockey.

Pronger for Lupul,Sbisa and 2 1st rounders

The Anaheim Ducks have traded Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, their 1st rounder in the 2009 and 2010 Entry Draft AND a conditional third round pick in the 2010 or 2011 draft. (as per TSN) Edit.

Pre-draft rumor update!

It's only 30 minutes to the NHL Entry Draft, here's a quick review of today's rumors. Don't forget, I'll be live-blogging for the next few hours! I will be posting the big trades here, but rumors and breaking stuff will be on my Twitter account. http://twitter.com/Brochuishockey (it's also in the column on your right)

TSN is reporting that defenseman Scott Niedermayer has decided to return for one more season of hockey, and it will be with the Anaheim Ducks. This almost certainly means that Chris Pronger will be traded, most likely during the draft.

The Boston Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel and a draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. Brochu's take: This is probably that "significant" offer they got yesterday.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the St. Louis Blues are definitely interested in restricted free agent goalie Josh Harding, along with 4 other NHL teams. It's likely that Harding will be traded sometime this summer. Source

Pronger for Jack Johnson and a 1st?

According to Sportsnet, there's a big rumor that the Anaheim Ducks are about to trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and the Kings 5th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Pronger, Ducks GM Bob Murray and Kings GM Dean Lombardi have all denied the rumor. Brochu's take: The Score is reporting that the trade is done. According to the NHL's collective agreement, no trades can be completed until after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs. There's also reports that the draft pick may turn out to be a 2nd rounder. Stay tuned!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 6, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Jeff Hamilton for the rest of the season. Brochu's take: A curious move, coming after the NHL trade deadline. He's likely a roster filler so the Leafs don't have to use their callups.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Florida Panthers were weighing two offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was ultimately not traded. The Vancouver Canucks were willing to give up forward Mason Raymond and a 1st rounde draft pick. It's believed that Florida wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Edler included and GM Mike Gillis wasn't willing to make the move. The Philadelphia Flyers were offering Joffrey Lupul or Scottie Upshall along with prospect James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round pick. The Panthers wanted Scott Hartnell. Upshall was eventually traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Brochu's take: In my opinion, GM Jacques Martin will regret not getting something for Bouwmeester. He's already turned down a contract offer, and even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's not guaranteed they'll make it far. However, I do think that Bouwmeester's negotiation rights will be offered in the summer, likely for a draft pick. Source

The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that the Capitals had talked to the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring Chris Pronger, but the asking price was much too high. The Ducks wanted defenseman Karl Alzner, goalie Simeon Varlamov and prospect John Carlson. Brochu's take: That would fall in line with Pronger's supposed asking price. Look for a similar type of package by other NHL teams this summer, when Pronger will be available. Source

Bouwmeester, Morris, Pronger Rumor Update

This is the latest rumor report on Jay Bouwmeester and Derek Morris:

The Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners in the Bouwmeester sweepstakes. However, the Canucks are believed to be comfortable with their team and willing to stand pat. Brochu's take: If Bouwmeester is even traded at all, it will probably be to Philly, if they somehow free up some salary cap space.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting a rumor from colleague E.J. Hradek that the Phoenix Coyotes would send Derek Morris and Ilya Bryzgalov to the Flyers in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall and Martin Biron. The Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and Flyers all remain the likely destination for Morris. Brochu's take: Biron has a no trade clause that he would have to waive for that deal to go through. I'm betting Morris goes to Boston. Source

According to Sportsnet, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray has let NHL teams know that he will not trade Chris Pronger at the deadline. Brochu's take: But he will probably get shopped at the entry draft or the summer.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 1, 2009

Speculation is rampant late tonight that the New York Islanders have finalized a trade with an Eastern Conference team, and forward Bill Guerin has agreed to waive his no trade clause. Chris Botta of the Islanders blog "Islanders Point Blank" is reporting that a deal is all but done and should be confirmed Sunday. Brochu's take: The rumor is that the Washington Capitals is his destination, but there's also speculation that it could be the Montreal Canadiens. I guess we'll know when the NHL offices open tomorrow. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that defenseman Derek Morris has given Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he would be willing to lift his no-trade clause to join. In the meantime, Morris plans to sit out and not play for risk of injury. Source

Pierre LeBrun has made a post on his ESPN blog about the latest trade rumors, I will just go over the names that have not appeared previously:

The St. Louis Blues are interested in re-acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. Brochu's take: They have the cap space, but I would imagine they would have to trade of their good young defensive prospects and more to get him back.

The Boston Bruins may be targeting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, as they are no longer in the Pronger hunt.

LeBrun reports that impending UFA Alex Burrows could be moved by the Vancouver Canucks if he hasn't signed an extension by the trade deadline. Brochu's take: I don't agree. I think they will keep him even if he doesn't sign at the deadline, and I expect a deal to be hammered before he reaches free agency.

Five teams have expressed interest in Phoenix forward Olli Jokinen.

The Detroit Red Wings are very interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere, and several teams have inquired about forward Milan Hejduk. Brochu's take: I would imagine Hejduk would make any team that much more dangerous. Laperriere would provide a veteran presence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers is now on the trading block.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 28, 2009

Speculation continues to swirl that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to deal Chris Pronger at the trade deadline. The TSN Tradecentre panel reported that the Boston Bruins are very interested, as well as the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils are the frontrunners for his services. There's rumors that the Ducks would want a package that would involve players such as Patrice Bergeron, Phil Kessel and Joe Colborne. Brochu's take: A defensive pair of Chara-Pronger would be downright scary. If the Bruins really believe that this is their year, than Pronger would be a fantastic addition, but he won't come cheap.

Ray Ferraro of TSN is also reporting that there's a rumor that the Philadelphia Flyers would package Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones for Pronger. Brochu's take: Unless the Flyers have $6 million in imaginary cap space, I don't see this happening.

Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin has been scouting the Flyers very closely lately, and was present at Friday's game between the Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that both teams are interested in acquiring Jay Bouwmeester, and Martin is most likely scouting potential players. Brochu's take: Martin wants players that will help his team now, so I guess that's why he's been following the Flyers so closely.

According to TSN, New York Islanders forward Bill Guerin is willing to waive his no trade clause if the right deal came. Brochu's take: His game has really dropped the last few years. He may get some interest, but the value in return will be low. Source

The Florida Panthers have sent defenseman Nick Boynton home and will not accompany the team's three game road trip. There have been rumors GM Jacques Martin was even thinking of waiving Boynton. Martin confirmed that Boynton had been sent home for discipline but wouldn't go into further detail. Brochu's take: There's probably a good chance he will be traded. Source

Begin for Janik, Whitney for Kunitz, Tangradi

The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi. Brochu's take: Very curious trade. This means that one of Pronger of Niedermayer won't be back next season. Tangradi was just signed to an entry level contract, and Kunitz still has several years left on his contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Steve Begin to the Dallas Stars for defenseman Doug Janik. Brochu's take: GM Bob Gainey is hooking up with his old buddies in Dallas once again. But the only positive I see in this trade is that it clears cap space for the Habs...perhaps a bigger trade in the works? Janik is currently in the AHL.

According to TSN, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mathieu Dandenault has requested a trade, and an NHL source is saying that GM Bob Gainey has agreed to help him out. Brochu's take: Whoa. What is going on in Montreal? That's three Habs veterans that want/are out. Another cap clearing move?

The Ottawa Senators have placed goalie Martin Gerber on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: Rumors are flying that the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres are interested.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Glen Metropolit and defenseman Ossi Vaananen on waivers. Brochu's take: Look for a rumor report late tonight or earlier tomorrow, I have more on this cap clearing move.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward Chris Minard on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 24, 2009

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Connolly. The Sabres are willing to trade the forward, because he is due to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and it's unlikely that they will re-sign the injury troubled centre. Brochu's take: Connolly would be a good fit in Columbus, as they are still looking for a centre for their top two lines.

Pittsburgh Penguins scouts have been following the Blue Jackets closely lately. Also, Jackets scouts have been attending several Tampa Bay Lightning games. The most rumored names being tossed around are defenseman Rostislav Klesla and forward Jeff Halpern. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, there is a "very good chance" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade Chris Pronger at some point. Teams such as the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and several other teams are monitoring the situation closely. McKenzie also believes that the Ducks could shop Chris Kunitz to get some salary cap space in the summer. Brochu's take: All those teams McKenzie mentions have some serious cap issues IF they want to bring Pronger in. And something tells me Pronger doesn't want to go back to Alberta. Source

The New York Rangers have officially announced John Tortorella as the new head coach, but McKenzie's blog states that "sources say there may have been other potentially "inappropriate" contact between the Ranger organization and members of the Lightning." The NHL is investigating and while there has been much discussion between all involved parties, it's not out of the question that the Lightning will file formal tampering charges against the Rangers. Brochu's take: I think this has to do with Bolts assistant coach Mike Sullivan, who HAD a clause in his contract that stated he could leave the team to join Tortorella. I'm sure this will be settled privately unless Tampa plays hardball.

Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail is reporting that the Calgary Flames have a keen interest in re-acquiring Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris. Brochu's take: GM Don Maloney has let the league know that Morris is available, and the Flames desperately need re-inforcements. I would think a 3rd round pick would do the trick. Source

Pierre McGuire on a New York radio station stated that the Rangers are shopping forward Scott Gomez, and there is some definite interest. Brochu's take: Not dismissing McGuire's sources, but when do you remember a player with a massive contract (term and dollar value) being traded at the deadline?

Weekend rumor roundup for Feb 21-22, 2009

Just wrapping up some of the rumors this weekend, and some I missed this past week:

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting a rumor of the Philadelphia Flyers trading top prospect James van Riemsdyk to the Atlanta Thrashers for goalie Kari Lehtonen. Brochu's take: Lehtonen was once hailed as the next great goalie, but he hasn't shown that in Atlanta. Maybe a change of scenery would help him out. The Flyers are desperately looking for good goaltending. Source

Chris Pronger's name continues to be in the rumor mill, with the New Jersey Devils being the team most linked to. The Anaheim Ducks continue to fight for a playoff spot, and Pronger let it be known on his blog that he doesn't want to be traded. Speculation is that IF Pronger is shopped, the package would have to include a young roster player, prospect and multiple picks. Brochu's take: I would think the Chicago Blackhawks are also in the mix. Perhaps a package of Cam Barker, Bill Sweatt and a couple picks could entice the Ducks?

Nashville Predators defenseman Ville Koistinen has asked for a trade. The young Finnish rearguard has been a healthy scratch for most of the season. Brochu's take: Could be a good depth move for any team looking for a defenseman. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 11, 2009

After clearing waivers, the Dallas Stars have assigned forward Sean Avery to the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. It's presumed that after several games, the Stars will re-call Avery through re-entry waivers, and the Rangers will pick him up. Brochu's take: Of course, it's entirely possible, if not probable, that some other NHL team will pick up Avery before the Rangers get a chance. Also, like Bob McKenzie says in his blog, the Stars could just keep Avery in the minors as long as possible and not make a decision at all.

The Edmonton Oilers have denied a local report that forward Jaromir Jagr is close to joining the team. According to the Edmonton Journal, a Czech source says Jagr is close to finalizing a deal that would see him join the Oilers for the remainder of the season. Jagr is currently playing with KHL team Avangard Omsk. Brochu's take: Not only that, he would have to clear waivers before he can come back to the NHL. Jagr does not have an out clause in his three-year contract with Omsk, but it's quite possible that he could sign with Edmonton in the summer. The Oilers offered a contract last summer, and with the KHL facing economic uncertainty, Jagr could contemplate a return to the NHL. Source

There's been a lot of speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are looking to shop defenseman Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer. According to NJ.com, the New Jersey Devils could be interested in both players. Brochu's take: I think the Ducks will hang on to Pronger. As for Niedermayer, it's unknown if he wants to return in 2009-2010. But rumors are that he would be willing to accept a trade to four teams: The Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and the Devils. Source

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey held a meeting with the coaching staff in Montreal before the team left for its six-game road trip this week. LeBrun believes that the Canadiens will be active, and will be willing to trade some of their young assets or some of their impending free agents to "right the ship." Brochu's take: Tomas Plekanec's name has been tossed around the rumor mill, with the Chicago Blackhawks the most interested. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 29, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in re-acquiring forward Colby Armstrong from the Atlanta Thrashers. Dreger adds that GM Ray Shero may also be shopping defenseman Ryan Whitney, as the Pens are looking for a top-line forward. Brochu's take: Dreger lists more names, but those players have been rumored for quite some time. No point in reporting the same rumor again and again. Source

The Calgary Sun is reporting that it's a given that Flames forward Michael Cammalleri will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, and the impending unrestricted free agent will garner a contract almost equal to teammate Jarome Iginla. Brochu's take: Cammalleri's strong play will get him a good contract, but I don't think he will get Iggy money. I would say a deal in the $5-$5.5 million range. Source

The Calgary Herald is reporting "internet rumours" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Flames.

According to Al Strachan on the Score, there is definite speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping Chris Pronger. Pronger was asked about the rumors, and said that he has heard about them too. Brochu's take: Hmmm, this is more or less a "confirmation" that he is really on the trade block.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester. The speculation is IF Bouwmeester ends up in Montreal, the Habs would then trade defenseman Andrei Markov to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the much-hyped Vincent Lecavalier deal. Brochu's take: That's a lot of dominos to fall in order for it to happen. I don't think this will happen.

The Minnesota Wild have placed forward Krys Kolanos on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 25, 2009

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Anaheim Ducks might move defenseman Chris Pronger, and Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke may be interested. Brochu's take: Notice how Garrioch uses "if", "might", and "may", which doesn't mean much. Source

ESPN is reporting that the annual NHL awards show on June 18 will be in Las Vegas. Sources are saying that the ceremony is expected to be hosted by the Palms Casino and Resort. The NHL has long been rumored to be interested in exploring the idea of a franchise in the gambling mecca. Burnside suggestst that "perhaps moving the awards show there will give a sense of what draw the sport might have in Vegas." Brochu's take: Las Vegas still remains one of the most populous cities in North America without one of the major 4 sports. The arena deal there seems to have lost a lot of steam over the past couple of months. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 17, 2009

According to Sportsnet's Mike Brophy on Hockeycentral, the Anaheim Ducks are not actively shopping Chris Pronger, but they are listening to all offers for him. Brophy speculates that the Los Angeles Kings and Florida Panthers are interested, but it's unlikely the Ducks will trade Pronger to a divisional rival. Brophy also suggests that there could a be swap for Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: I agree with Brophy that he won't be traded to a divisional rival, although it has happened before (think Alex Tanguay). I don't think Florida is interested in adding such a big salary right now.

ESPN's Scott Burnside reported Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin was on hand for Wednesday's Washington Capitals-Pittsburgh Penguins game and wondered if he were scouting the two teams as potential trade partners for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, whom Martin might move by the trade deadline if he's unable to re-sign him. Brochu's take: Even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's unlikely they will go far, and Bouwmeester has shown no indication that he wants to stay in Florida. The Cats are better off trading him before the deadline or they'll end up losing him for nothing in the summer. Source